chopping block

plural chopping blocks

1. A thick wooden slab used as a cutting surface for preparing food, splitting firewood or kindling, etc.

   Near-synonyms: butcher block, butcher's block

   Synonyms: butcher block, butcher's block

2. historicalinformalA block of wood against which a condemned person put their head prior to beheading.
3. broadlyA dangerous or precarious situation.

   Jim really put his head on the chopping block when he started flirting with the boss's daughter.

   1. broadlyThe threat of an impending budget cut.

      Our team might be on the chopping block — the company seems to be finding excuses to avoid funding these operating expenses.